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College students — buying 'pre-loved' Apple tech could save you hundreds on your next MacBook or iPad

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Buying refurbished tech makes a lot of sense if you're on a budget

Apple MacBook Air (M1,2020) Rear Lid
(Image credit: Future)

If you've got your shopping list ready for college, no doubt some high-end Apple tech is a feature. The brand makes dependable devices that are always a favorite here at TechRadar. Of course, Apple products do have a serious catch — they tend to be expensive, to say the least.

Allow me to float a possible solution: buying a 'pre-loved' model over at the specialist retailer Back Market. I've been scanning through today's Apple listings at the retailer, and I've found some fantastic options for cash-strapped students.

Particular highlights include the MacBook Air M2 for $726 (was $1,199) or the MacBook Air M1 for $671 (was $1,199). In terms of sheer bang for the buck, you get a lot for your money here. While no longer the latest models, these are both still great for browsing, studying, or working away from home thanks to their lightweight designs and excellent battery life.

If a tablet is more your speed, the iPad Pro M2 is available for $579 (was $999), while the iPad Air 5 is just $328 (was $599). Neither is Apple's latest generation, but both remain strong choices in 2026, with designs that still look right at home alongside the newest iPads.

All these deals from Back Market have been professionally refurbished by the retailer, which sets them apart from the usual second-hand listings you find on auction sites. You also get a full one-year warranty, which is another reason to consider Back Market over the other well-known second-hand sites.

Today's best Apple deals at BackMarket

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M2)
Apple MacBook Air 13 (M2): was $1,299 now $726 at Back Market (US)

Getting a slightly older MacBook like this M2 model is a fantastic choice if you're looking to save the cash. Outwardly, this device still looks very modern, and the M2 chipset is still fantastic for browsing, streaming, studying, and even relatively demanding tasks. This listing at Back Market is for the entry-level 8GB RAM / 256GB SSD configuration, but you can upgrade to the larger 512GB model for relatively cheap, too.

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Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1): was $1,499 now $671 at Back Market (US)

The MacBook Air M1 is pretty old now, but it's still in contention for the title of best cheap MacBook alongside the new MacBook Neo. This was the first model to boast Apple's ground-breaking 'M' series ARM chipsets, and it still holds up great for most tasks. This particular listing at Back Market is for the 16GB RAM version, which is the one I'd personally recommend for better performance. Aside from the slightly dated display with thicker bezels, the MacBook Air M1 still looks great and should perform well enough for students.

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Apple iPad 10 (2022)
Apple iPad 10 (2022): was $425 now $284 at Back Market (US)

If I were a student looking for a tablet to cover the basics, I'd go for this Apple iPad 10 listing at Back Market. This model is a fantastic entry point into the world of iPads, offering a good mix of performance and value. Inside, it features the same chipset as one of the older iPhone models, so you get smooth browsing and streaming here. The baseline iPad isn't intended for super high-end work, but for recreational use, it's a great choice.

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Apple iPad Air 5 (2022, M1)
Apple iPad Air 5 (2022, M1): was $749 now $328.32 at Back Market (US)

The iPad Air 5 rocks the legendary M1 chipset — a much older processor now, but one that massively surprised us when it first debuted. It's a chipset that's still very capable for the wide majority of tasks and provides good battery life, too. While the Air isn't as powerful as the Pro, it's a good mid-tier option between the standard iPad and the higher-end models. It's lightweight, powerful, and features a great display.

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Apple iPad Pro (2022, M2)
Apple iPad Pro (2022, M2): was $999 now $613 at Back Market (US)

The iPad Pro from 2022 is an older device now, but it's still a fantastic tablet if you need something with plenty of power. The differences between this one and the latest model drill down to the chipset and display, mostly. It's a little slower than the newer model, but still wildly quick, and you get an LCD display rather than an OLED panel. Considering Back Market's current price, this one is definitely a strong choice for students.

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Alex Whitelock
Alex Whitelock
Retail Editor

Alex is TechRadar's retail editor, specializing in buying advice and general tips on how to save our readers as much cash as possible. He's covered major retail events in some capacity for over seven years now; both in editorial and other ecommerce adjacent roles on TechRadar, T3, GamesRadar, and other Future PLC sites. Alex's expertise touches on most areas, but he has a particular love for phones, laptops, and cameras, being an avid photographer.